Larynx facts for kids
The larynx, often called the voice box, is an important organ found in your neck. Both humans and animals have one. It has several key jobs. It helps you breathe and make sounds. It also protects your windpipe by stopping food from going into your lungs. Inside the larynx are your vocal cords.
Contents
How the Larynx Works
Making Sounds
Your larynx is where sounds are made. It controls how high or low your voice is (called pitch). It also controls how loud your voice is (called loudness). Inside the larynx, your vocal cords vibrate when air passes through them. This vibration creates sound.
The sound then travels through your vocal tract. This includes your tongue, lips, mouth, and pharynx. The way you move these parts changes the sound. This is how you form different words and noises.
Protecting Your Windpipe
When you swallow food or drinks, your larynx helps keep them out of your lungs. A small flap called the epiglottis covers the opening of your larynx. This stops food from going down the wrong tube. Your larynx also moves upwards to help with this process.
If something accidentally gets into your larynx, you will usually cough very strongly. This is a natural reflex to protect your lungs.
Larynx Problems
Sometimes, the larynx might not work as it should. This can cause problems like a hoarse voice or even losing your voice completely. You might also feel pain in your throat or ears. Breathing difficulties can also be a symptom.
Getting a new larynx through transplant surgery is very rare. The first successful operation happened in 1998 in Cleveland. The second one took place in 2010 in Sacramento.
Images for kids
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Vocal cords can open (abducted) or close (adducted).
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This image shows an epiglottis, which covers the windpipe.
See also
In Spanish: Laringe para niños
